Panthers vs. Texans: 4 matchups to watch for Preseason Week 1

With Cam Newton and several other Panthers veterans inactive in tonight’s game against Houston, this one will be about depth and watching which younger guys can be difference makers for the team.

Here are four potentially interesting matchups to watch tonight.

Amini Silatolu vs. Jadeveon Clowney

Matt Kalil has been dealing with a groin injury, and will more than likely not be starting this first game. Enter Amini Silatolu, a sixth-year guard who will be attempting to revamp his career after a few less than stellar years with the Panthers and one with the Bears. It will be trial by fire for the 28 year old, as he will immediately be going against Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney has been having a problem staying healthy in the NFL, playing in only 31 games in the past four years. But when he’s played, he has shown major flashes. Many are projecting Clowney to go off this year, especially being opposite of a healthy J.J Watt for the first times in his career.

Russell Shepard vs. Kevin Johnson

Kevin Johnson is an up-and-coming cornerback that many around the Carolinas may be familiar with. He graduated from Wake Forest and was picked in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. He had a stellar rookie season but in his sophomore year he ended up on season ending injured reserve.

He will be going up against Russel Shepard in the slot, a young and rising player much like him. Shepard is the opposite of Johnson – an undrafted free agent in 2013, who has made a living on special teams the past few years. Shepard was signed to a two-year deal with the Panthers over the offseason. Whoever gets the better of this matchup will get a boost for their respective position battles.

D’ona Foreman vs. the third team defense

Expect to see this guy, and a lot of him. Foreman was a standout running back at Texas. He is the definition of a ‘balanced’ halfback, with his pro comparison being Jonathan Stewart.

Drafted in the third round, it’s likely that Foreman gets a slew of carries in his first NFL game so the coaches can get a hard look at him before the season. On the Texans official depth chart he is listed as third behind Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue, which would pit him against Carolina’s third team defense, who may have their hands full.

Deshaun Watson vs. the backups

Another name that Panthers fans will be familiar with is Deshaun Watson, who won the National Championship game with Clemson in 2016. Listed as second on the depth chart behind Tom Savage, it’s unlikely he will go against former Clemson defensive standout Ben Boulware, who will be working with the third team.

Watson will be going against the Panthers second team defense, featuring David Mayo, Jeremy Cash and Jared Norris. Watson is likely on par with these players at the moment. He was drafted 12th overall, way higher than any of the players on the Panthers’ second team. It will be interesting to see how he fares against an NFL defense for the first time.